The trading deadline is getting closer and there's a ton of buzz. In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the latest buzz surrounding Jon Lester, the latest on a pair of Indians that could be on the trading block, a few teams that could make sense for Troy Tulowitzki, and more.

It’s lonely at the top. Triple-A Columbus opened up last week by taking three of four in Louisville and found themselves alone in first for the first time since May 10. The IBI's Michael Rich recaps the week that was, provides all the news and notes from the team and recently sat down with Francisco Lindor to get his take on his promotion.

The MLB trade deadline is only three days away. The Indians suffered through a tough 5-6 road trip to start the second half of the season, a trip that started with so much promise but ended with so much frustration. But even with the poor showing they are still only 3.5 games out of a playoff spot with two months to play. The IBI's Tony Lastoria provides his thoughts on if the Indians should by or sell, what they even have to sell, how Carlos Santana has been the best hitter in the AL for two months and more.

While the series in Detroit may have had a hangover effect on the Tribe as they traveled to Minnesota and Kansas City, they at least made sure to end a tough stretch on a high note before returning home and heading into an off-day. Sunday belonged to the Tribe and, more specifically Carlos Santana and Danny Salazar. Join the IBI's Jake Dungan as he gives his thoughts on the victory.

Fresh off a player hitting for the cycle just a week earlier, the Indians got another one in their system on Sunday from the hot bat of outfielder Jordan Smith. The IBI's Tony Lastoria recaps Smith's impressive showing on the day and his clutch hit in the ninth which not only gave him the cycle but a RubberDucks win.....and Tony also recaps all of the other action Around the Farm...

Carlos Santana is making fans forget about his horrible start very quickly. In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andy Nichols will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on a could-be blockbuster trade between the Red Sox and Dodgers, Terry Francona speaks about Francisco Lindor, and more.

The WAR Room is back again, bringing you the 2014 advanced stats for every Cleveland minor leaguer. After looking at the hitters last week, today we focus on the pitchers, including Mitch Brown. Brown is finding some strong success in Lake County this year, a very positive step for the 2012 second round pick's development. Join Jim Piascik as he breaks down Brown's season to date and the rest of the pitchers in the system as he takes you into The WAR Room.

Cleveland dropped the third game of a four-game series in Kansas City on Saturday, falling to the Royals 7-5 in a loss that both ensured a series loss and a road trip that will end under .500. Scoring, fueled by a five-run second for the Indians and five response runs in the next two innings by Kansas City. The IBI's John Grimm ponders both the state of the rotation going forward as well as the return of Carlos Santana.

Through his first five games at the Triple-A level, Francisco Lindor has fit right in. He took that to another level Saturday, launching his first two home runs as a Clipper. Arthur Kinney recaps Lindor's night and time in Columbus so far in addition to bringing you the action from around the organization. Join Arthur as he takes you Around the Farm.

High-A Carolina right-handed pitcher Clayton Cook is someone who came out of high school with good prospect pedigree when the Indians selected him in the ninth round of the 2008 Draft. He quickly asserted himself as one of the Indians best young pitching prospects, but early in the 2012 season some persistent pain in his right shoulder changed his career outlook like the snap of a finger. The IBI's Tony Lastoria recently spoke to him about his comeback...

It is a rare evening in Kauffman Stadium that a game's outcome is determined by the team to hit the fifth home run, but - in the spirit of 'You Can't Predict Baseball' - Carlos Santana's two home run game was outpaced by Kansas City's three home run game. Even in one of the most spacious parks in the majors, Indians Josh Tomlin struggled, surrendering two long balls in the game. The IBI's John Grimm examines Tomlin's fly ball tendencies, both the problems they generate and the benefits that they do not.

Justin Masterson continued his rehab outing for the Indians on Friday night in Columbus to the tune of mixed results. He was able to pitch deep into the game; however, he really struggled with his command all night. The IBI's Arthur Kinney reviews that performance as well as some of the hot performances from Jeremy Lucas, Gio Urshella and lots more in his trip Around the Farm...

We're entering the last weekend in July, can you believe it? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on A.J. Pierzynski signing with the Cards, the latest on Jake Peavy, when we could see Asdrubal Cabrera back on the field, and more.

This is a new feature piece here at the IBI that specifically looks at some of the prospects that have maybe not had as much attention they deserve for a variety of reasons but who are interesting or are coming onto the scene. We kick things off with High-A Carolina right-handed reliever Ben Heller who is having a fantastic season and has vaulted himself up the prospect charts for the Indians. What does he throw? How good is his stuff? What is he working on? What kind of future does he have? The IBI's Tony Lastoria provides some information on all of that and more...

It's tough to definitively say what could've been in the game of baseball, but if there was ever one single play to point to as the primary cause for a loss, Ryan Raburn accomplished that feat on Thursday. Danny Duffy had his good stuff working, but Corey Kluber was better and could've very well had a shutout win. Join the IBI's Jake Dungan as he recaps an especially tough loss for the Tribe.

Corey Kluber's dominant outing at the major league level may be (rightfully) getting most of the attention today, but the organization's starter one level down also made some noise Thursday. Toru Murata may not be having the best year, but you could not tell Thursday as the right-hander carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Join Jim Piascik as he recaps Murata's big night, takes a look at Carlos Moncrief's plate discipline this season, and much more as he takes you Around the Farm.

As July draws to a close, the Hot Stove is heating up. Will the Indians make any moves? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on Kendrys Morales reuniting with his former team, injury updates on the Tribe front, a plethora of trade rumors, and more.

In this week’s Minor Happenings, the IBI's Tony Lastoria takes a look at the emergence of Sean Brady who is another good lefty starting pitching prospect for the Indians in the lower levels of the minors. He also talks about the early impressions that catcher Francisco Mejia has left so far this season, the Dominican Summer League sensation Gabriel Mejia, provides a ton of quotes from the Indians front office on players like Ryan Merritt, Cody Anderson, Yandy Diaz, Tyler Holt and others, and also provides some insight and information on players like Gabriel Arias, Jordan Smith, Clint Frazier, Taylor Murphy, and more!

The Captains have fallen victim to a seven-game losing skid, a tough 180 flip from the six-game winning streak the team crafted just two weeks ago. The team remains the worst-hitting squad in the league with a collective .239 average, but they lead the Midwest League in home runs with 85. Here's the week in review for the Captains.

The Indians lost the rubber match on Wednesday to the Twins, 3-1. These are the series that the Indians need to win if they want to earn a playoff spot. The loss in this game was a huge missed opportunity, and offsets any momentum gained during the Detroit series. The IBI's Michael Goodman shares his second thoughts on one of the more frustrating losses of the season for the Indians...

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!